Image Processing Apparatus Seamless Combination

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Solution Overview

Problem

When combining multiple images, existing techniques that shift pixel values based on a reference image can result in overexposure or underexposure, potentially exceeding the output bandwidth and causing noticeable seams.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus that acquires pixel value ranges and distributions for each partial image, calculates a shift amount to minimize differences in overlapping areas, and adjusts pixel values to set them within a predetermined range, thereby preventing overexposure and underexposure while making seams unnoticeable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If pixel values are shifted using a reference image to make seams unnoticeable, then image combination quality is improved, but pixel values may exceed output bandwidth causing overexposure or underexposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage combination qualityVSAvoidpixel value range control

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of pixel value shift amount dynamically for each partial image based on its specific characteristics (exposure conditions, pixel value distribution). Instead of using a fixed reference image approach, the system calculates optimal shift amounts individually and combines them with range control to ensure pixel values remain within the output bandwidth while maintaining seamless transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If a fixed reference image is used for pixel value shifting, then the processing is simple, but it causes overexposure or underexposure in the combined image

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing simplicityVSAvoidpixel value accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image processing into separate steps: first calculating optimal shift amounts for each partial image based on its characteristics, then applying individualized shifts, and finally controlling the pixel value ranges. This segmentation allows complex processing to be broken down into manageable steps while achieving both simplicity and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by treating each partial image differently based on its specific exposure conditions and pixel value distribution. Instead of a uniform reference image approach, the system calculates individual shift amounts for each partial image, allowing each region to be optimized for its local characteristics while contributing to the overall seamless combination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8611498B2Image processing apparatus, image processing method, radiation imaging system, and computer-readable recording medium

Publication Date: 2013.12.17 CANON KK

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes an image acquisition unit configured to acquire a pixel value range for each of a plurality of partial images captured for a plurality of partial imaging ranges which an imaging region of a subject is divided into, an offset value acquisition unit configured to acquire a value indicating pixel value distribution of an overlapping area in each of the plurality of partial images, a correction value acquisition unit configured to calculate for each partial image a shift amount for minimizing a difference between the values indicating pixel value distribution of the overlapping areas, and setting each of the pixel value range within a predetermined range, and a correction unit configured to shift pixel values by the shift amount for each partial image.